The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a hot start — there’s no denying that. They’re 15-4, in sole possession of second in the Western Conference standings.
More than just winning games, though, they’re playing a brand of exciting basketball. LeBron James returned from his injury and has fit right in with the squad. Things are looking great.
However, the team still shouldn’t ignore the ever-so-clear issue with the roster. As currently built, the Lakers are extremely top-heavy. If they want to compete with the top teams in the NBA, specifically the juggernauts in Oklahoma City, the Lakers will need their role players to step up to the task, or else they’ll be forced to find new ones.
Jarred Vanderbilt
When looking at the players who have been inconsistent for the Lakers so far this season, it’s hard not to start with Jarred Vanderbilt.
In 14 appearances this season, he’s averaged 4.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. In each of the past five games, he’s been a DNP-Coach’s Decision. He’s squarely out of the rotation.
Coming over to the Lakers with D’Angelo Russell in the Russell Westbrook trade, he was seen as a key building piece for the Lakers’ future. He even earned himself a contract extension with his initial play in LA, signing a four-year, $48 million contract in 2023.
However, injuries and lack of offensive production have derailed his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s highly likely he will be involved in a trade in the near future.
Dalton Knecht
It’s safe to say Lakers fans had high hopes for the young player drafted out of Tennessee in the first round.
Despite some exciting games, and a few scattered highlights here and there, it’s been a mostly disappointing showing for the second-year forward Dalton Knecht. He’s shooting 32.7% from the three-point line, and 45.5% from the field.
His numbers are virtually down across the board from last year. He’s averaging less minutes, points, rebounds, and assists per game. His best game came in a blowout effort against the Thunder where he had 16 points and shot 80% from three. Overall, he’s seen very little meaningful minutes.
Since the failed trade to Charlotte, it seems he hasn’t really been himself on the court. He looks lost on defense, and his shooting has been spotty. If he’s not making shots, he’s almost unplayable because of his lack of defense on the other end. Unfortunately for the young forward, it’s trending towards him being involved in a trade package as well.
Gabe Vincent
This is probably the most disappointing player on the roster right now. Gabe Vincent has been an almost disaster since signing with the Los Angels Lakers in 2023.
Okay, maybe a disaster is an overstatement. However, it’s been far from a home run.
Yes, he has embraced being a defensive anchor — he deserves full credit for taking this role on. However, his offense just hasn’t been as good as the Lakers hoped it would be when they signed him.
His advanced metrics are actually high if you look at them for his career. However, his Miami years are mostly carrying those metrics. He will be another quality trade piece if the Los Angeles Lakers look to upgrade their reserve/bench roles.
Make a Trade or Play Younger Players?
The Los Angels Lakers are in a unique position. They have a few veteran and young players they can package to obtain a quality 3-and-D player.
They can also simply play their younger players more. Fans have been begging to see more of Adou Theiro. They also have something in Jake LaRavia. The former Grizzly/King has had several quality games to start the season. Maybe it’s time to play these two, along with Dalton Knecht, more.
Marcus Smart has solidified himself in the rotation, when he’s healthy, for his defensive play, but the Lakers would like for his shooting to be more consistent as well.
All in all, it’s hard to be extra critical of this team. However, it’s never a bad thing to jump ahead and fix a potential issue that could cost you an NBA Championship. With new ownership in town who are already making moves, you can be assured Rob Pelinka is doing all he can to fortify this roster for a deep playoff run.
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